The Auckland Star. WITH WHICH ARE INCORPORATED. UNKNOWN. THURSDAY, AUGUST 6, 1914. THE WAR.

Auckland Star, Volume XLV, Issue 186, 6 August 1914, Page 4

The Auckland Star. WITH WHICH ARE INCORPORATED. UNKNOWN.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 6, 1914. THE WAR.

Far th* aware that lack* atrittaaea, for the wrong that need* resitiamma, for the future iv the.dietamce, Ami the good that we amu t%».

It is almost supennVnus to say that the attempt made hy the Germans to ignore the neutrality of tho Belgians and to force a way through their country has 'been the decisive step that has finally forced England 'into "war. Even if England had ibeen disposed to leave France to her own resources so long as Germany respected the rights of neutrals and the, obligations imposed -by international law, tbe invasion of Belgium has rendered it practically impossible for her to remain inactive. For the conquest of Belguim by Germany would not only mean that the Germans have started a -war of aggression against neighbouring States with whom they have no just cause of quarrel; it would mean that the- ■ of Germany would be pushed forward almost to our own outworks, or, at least, within easy striking distance of the British coast. The claims of self-interest and the necessity for self-defence, not loss than our sympathy for France, and our desiro to protect a weak State in danger of''being " •'W l " , a strong Power which bas already threatened our Empire, with destruction, have determined 'England to make a firm stand now, and to strike into this quarrel by the side of France and Russia. We have been patient and selfcontrol'lctl under provocations that few Powers have ever endured so Ion™; and to refuge Germany's chnllcnge now would, he to pass 'beyond tbe point at whieb patience is transformed into weakness and cowardice. Never in our long history has there been a war iv which England has been so cloarly. compelled to take part; and tho knowledge that Germany's arrogant and reckless disregard of the rights of other 'States' has thus forced England's band is one of the principal causes for the inspiring demonstrations of loyalty and patriotism now displayed throughout our Empire. We need bardly reiterate "wbat has been said so often before, that Germany's .aggression, in this instance, comes as'a'C'lrrnax to' a Hong-series of acts, any one of which might have justified France or England in making war ■ upon 'her on many occasions during the past ten or twelve years. It is not necor-sary just now to cite the immense mass of evidence provided by the utterances l of the most eminent German statesmen and 'historians and soldiers during the pa.-t twenty years to show that Germany-aims at tho he-lemony of Europe and tbe empire of the sea. More particularly she has sot her heart on wresting naval suprrunacy from England, and the Kaiser has frequently assured bis people that " tbe trident must be bold by German hands." Nor has this pob'ey been only a matter of theory jr of sentimental a»*piratrion. Many a time since the close of last century, from tic days of the Boer War down to Agadir and the Balkan crisis, has Germany's truculent and ovcrbearinp; attitude menaced the safety of France ami England, and the peace of the civilised world. But never has ficrmanv so definitely forced the choice between war and humiliation or ruin upon her rivals and enemies as during the past momentous week. It is difficult to read patiently the extraordinary - pronouncement in Wbioh the Kaiser has now set forth his version of tlie events that immediately preceded the outbreak of hostilities. The ruler of Germany represents ibe policy of bis Co/uirtry as uniformly pacific and conciliatory, and be poses himself as a harbinger of peace and. goodwill, whose intentions bave been misunderstood, or ■wihosc actions have been misrepresented by malignant enemies. 'His statement is palpably a laboured attempt to throw tire. - responsibility for the war and its consequences upon j*£ussia. But the civilised world will hardly be misled by such transparent subterfuges and evasions. It is ludicrous to suggest that either Russia of 'France desired war with Germany at a time when both countries were convulsed by political, industrial and social complications and disorders. And even now, alter Germany, on Hie pretext.of iiclping. Austria against Russia,' has started a (European conflagration, Russia is still negotiating with Austria for a peaceful setlemont, and neither of these Powers has attacked or declared war upon the other. 'It is clear to every intellia»vii.pjii- ; *-i^j - -»d idiced man anj'woman in the world tnat this war has been precipitated by Germany, and by Germany alone. If ever a nation went down to battle burdened by the heavy moral responsibility of taking up arms in." an unjust cause, that is Germany's position today; and if ever a nation took up arms in defence of her own safety and to repel unjustifiable aggression, that is the position of France and of England. The struggle .may belong and desperate, and it ii?, in any case, a deplorable calamity-for the whole' world. But tOio English people throughout our Empire at least have the consolation of knowing that our rulers have made every possible effort to avert this catastropbe, and that we enter upon this conflict with full confidence that our cause i 3 the cause of justice,afid.rigbte-

ousness, and that in the end i.fc must prevail,